Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have been applied in various
domains, including early childhood education (ECE). Integration of AI
educational technology is a recent significant trend in ECE. Currently, there
are more and more studies of AI in ECE. To date, there is a lack of survey
articles that discuss the studies of AI in ECE. In this paper, we provide an
up-to-date and in-depth overview of the key AI technologies in ECE that
provides a historical perspective, summarizes the representative works,
outlines open questions, discusses the trends and challenges through a detailed
bibliometric analysis, and provides insightful recommendations for future
research. We mainly discuss the studies that apply AI-based robots and AI
technologies to ECE, including improving the social interaction of children
with an autism spectrum disorder. This paper significantly contributes to
provide an up-to-date and in-depth survey that is suitable as introductory
material for beginners to AI in ECE, as well as supplementary material for
advanced users.
Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have made a significant impact on various industries, and the field of early childhood education (ECE) is no exception. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of integrating AI educational technology into ECE. Despite this trend, the availability of survey articles discussing the studies of AI in ECE has been limited. This paper aims to fill that gap by providing an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the key AI technologies in ECE.
One of the remarkable aspects of AI in ECE is its multidisciplinary nature. The intersection of AI and ECE brings together expertise from fields such as computer science, psychology, education, and robotics. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a more holistic understanding of how AI can enhance early childhood education.
The paper provides a historical perspective on the integration of AI technologies in ECE, tracing its origins and evolution. It also summarizes representative works that have demonstrated the application of AI in ECE, showcasing the various ways in which AI has been used to improve teaching and learning experiences for young children.
An essential focus of this paper is on the studies that utilize AI-based robots and AI technologies to improve the social interaction of children on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder poses unique challenges in terms of social communication, and the integration of AI technologies has shown promise in addressing these challenges. The use of AI-based robots, for example, has been shown to enhance social skills and engagement in children with autism.
In addition to highlighting past studies, the paper also identifies open questions and discusses current trends and challenges within the field. By conducting a detailed bibliometric analysis, the authors provide valuable insights into the current state of research in AI in ECE.
As an expert commentator, it is worth noting that the findings and recommendations provided in this paper have significant implications for future research and practice in AI and ECE. The insights offered can guide researchers in exploring new avenues of investigation and developing innovative AI-based interventions. Furthermore, the paper serves as an introductory resource for those new to the field of AI in ECE, providing a comprehensive overview that encompasses both foundational knowledge and advanced concepts.
In conclusion, this paper fills a crucial gap in the existing literature by providing an up-to-date and in-depth survey of AI technologies in early childhood education. Its multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive analysis contribute to a better understanding of the potential applications of AI in improving educational outcomes for young children. By highlighting trends, challenges, and recommendations for future research, this paper serves as a valuable resource for both beginners and advanced users interested in exploring the intersection of AI and ECE.